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Internode has stopped metering ABC content for customers nationally, building on the recently announced ABC link to peering exchange PIPE Networks.

Internode unmeters ABC content

29-07-2004

Internode has stopped metering ABC content for its customers nationally, building on the recently announced ABC link to Internet peering exchange PIPE Networks, Australia's largest peering provider with more than 100 connections across 17 locations in six cities.

Internode CEO Simon Hackett said the company would absorb the cost of nationally distributing Internet content downloaded from the ABC. "This is an added-value service for our customers," he said. "This means an Internode ADSL customer on any plan, including the $29.95 Internode Starter Plan, can leave NewsRadio playing 24 hours a day if they want to at no extra cost. On BigPond's $29.95 plan, it would cost more than $900 extra."

Mr. Hackett said the decision extended Internode's unmetered access for a range of Internet radio stations. "We're very pleased to offer the full gamut of ABC online programming on an unmetered basis for all customers," he said. "The national broadcaster is in a better position than any ISP to offer high quality content, and we want to encourage our customers to use it."

Internode's decision means its broadband customers can now gain free access to streaming radio for ABC stations including JJJ, NewsRadio, Radio National, ABC Local Radio stations and the ABC's high quality DIG digital radio service. They can also view on-demand TV shows including ABC News, Media Watch, sports reports, RAGE music TV as well as ABC Kids Video Lounge shows such as Bananas in Pyjamas and Playschool.

Internode operates a national private tier-1 IP broadband network that provides Internet access for customers ranging from home users to national companies and government agencies. The ABC content distribution leverages this network to ensure that multimedia content is delivered at high quality on a reliable basis across Australia.

Internode's decision to give free ABC Online access to its customers is its latest initiative in a campaign to promote the enjoyment of legal, useful, and entertaining broadband services for its customers. Internode's decision follows an ABC announcement that it will use fibre-optic cable installed into its premises by the PIPE Internet peering exchange, which allows data to be sent from large companies and websites directly to ISPs rather than traversing the Internet. This significantly reduces data transmission costs.

Mr. Hackett said the performance gains achieved using IP peering was good for everyone. “Delivering data directly to ISPs like Internode via PIPE Networks allows the ABC to reduce its distribution costs and increase network efficiency,” he said.

"It also provides high quality access to rich content for broadband ISPs and grows ABC audiences, which enables the ABC to create more broadband content for Australians. Everyone’s a winner with more accessible broadband.”